U.S. National Team: Changing The Point Of Attack

SoccerSpecific

The following session was observed in January 2017 during a training camp for the US Womens National Team (U19) squad.

The emphasis of the session was on ‘Changing the Point of Attack’.

General observations: the session was highly organized; all coaching staff clearly understood the session and their roles in coaching each activity.

The quality of the players resulted in a very high-quality and high-tempo session.

Enjoy!

1.

Setup:

Playing area consists of 2 grids side-by-side; total area approximately 15×25. A 5v3 is organised – Players are organised in game-related positions. Two groups are organised to accommodate entire squad.

Diagram A

Instructions:

POSSESSION – EMPHASIS OF CHANGING POINT OF ATTACK:

Play begins in either half of the playing area; possession team looks to maintain possession and look for opportunities to quickly change the point of attack to the opposite wing Target player. Points are awarded for each successful switch of play.

Defensive team attempts to lock their opponent in one half of the playing area – prevent change of play.
Play is continuous.

Total 25min with stoppages for Coaching Points / Player changes

Coaching Points:

  • Quick ball circulation + movement
  • Moment, Direction, Speed of passes
  • Angles of support
  • Look to play through central player (#10 in diagram)
  • Constantly looking for opportunities to Change Point of Attack

2.

Setup:

Pitch is from box-to-box and approximately 60yds wide; 5yd channels are created on each side of the playing area. 3 mini-goals are placed on each 18-yard bow as shown.

Diagram B

Instructions:

9v9+1 – EMPHASIS OF CHANGING POINT OF ATTACK:

Play starts with a pass to either team from the Coach.

Teams attack / defend the 3 mini-goals. Channels are created to give an understanding of spacing, width and attacking shape. The team in possession has a man advantage (10v9) and must attempt to utilise the full width of the playing area – width can come from Fullbacks, Wide Midfield Players. Emphasis is on drawing the opponent to one side of the pitch before looking for a Change of Play through central areas.

Defensive team must try to remain compact within the narrower playing area.

Play is continuous: 2x6min

Coaching Points:

  • Quick ball circulation + movement; draw opponent to one side pitch
  • Utilise the man-advantage in central areas
  • Angles of support
  • Look to play through central players as opposed to attempting long flighted balls.
  • Constantly looking for opportunities to Change Point of Attack – ‘awareness’ of opportunities to
  • Change Point of Attack

3.

Setup:

Pitch is from box-to-box and full width of the pitch.

Diagram C

Instructions:

11v11 – EMPHASIS OF CHANGING POINT OF ATTACK:

Teams attack / defend.  Team in possession must look to Change Point of Attack prior to scoring.

Emphasis is on manipulating the opponent – drawing them to one side and then quickly exploiting the ‘weak side’ of the pitch. In the Diagram the Defensive team (Black) has been drawn to one side of the pitch. Red Fullback (2) has recognised that this side of the pitch is congested and has passed to C.Defender (5). Red (11) has moved inside; Red (3) has advanced – this allows Red (8) to move into the weak-side free space between the Fullback and Central Defender. C.Defender (5) can now Change the Point of Attack through #8.

Play is continuous: 1×10-12min

Coaching Points:

  • Quick ball circulation + movement; draw opponent to one side pitch
  • Moment, Direction, Speed of passes
  • Angles of support
  • Look to play through central players as opposed to attempting long flighted balls
  • Constantly looking for opportunities to Change Point of Attack – ‘awareness’ of opportunities to
  • Change Point of Attack